Listen to the podcast

Former Wichita State softball All-Americans CC Wong and Sydney McKinney are still in the game at Wilkins Stadium. They work with hitters and pitchers, catch bullpen sessions, throw batting practice and scrimmage with the Shockers for their duties as graduate assistants. McKinney is playing professionally and leaves soon for Japan. She will play this summer for Oklahoma City in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, her fourth season in the AUSL. Wong plays for Team Canada with her sights set on the 2028 Olympics.

We talk about working with the Shockers, improving their coaching techniques and why Wichita State coaches work so well with athletes. We also talk about the growth of professional softball and the importance of persistence when recruiting starts for young athletes.

McKinney, from Norborne, Mo., played shortstop for WSU from 2019-23. She earned All-America honors in 2021, 2022 and 2023. McKinney led the nation in batting average in 2022 (.522) and 2023 (.527). Wong, from Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, played in 2024 for the Shockers and earned All-American honors after hitting .470 (second nationally) with 14 home runs and 14 doubles.